Mumbai to Chennai Flights: Route Guide for 2026
The Mumbai (BOM) to Chennai (MAA) route is one of India’s classic metro-to-metro corridors. It’s a 1 hour 55 minute to 2 hour 15 minute flight, with 8-12 departures per day across IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air. Fares typically range from ₹3,500 to ₹9,000 one way. DGCA data (2025) places Mumbai-Chennai among the top 10 busiest domestic sectors by seat capacity, driven by strong IT sector and business travel demand in both cities.
TL;DR: Mumbai to Chennai takes about 2 hours with 8-12 daily flights. IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, and Akasa all fly the route. Fares range ₹3,500-₹9,000 one way. Cheapest fares appear on Tuesday and Wednesday departures booked 2-4 weeks ahead. Compare at happyfares.in.
Which Airlines Fly from Mumbai to Chennai?
Mumbai-Chennai enjoys good multi-carrier competition, which generally keeps fares reasonable and ensures seat availability is rarely a problem on most days.
- IndiGo: 4-5 daily flights, widest frequency
- Air India: 2-3 daily flights, full-service option
- SpiceJet: 1-2 daily flights, competitive pricing
- Akasa Air: 1-2 daily flights, newer aircraft, good on-time record
Find the best fare across all four carriers at happyfares.in.
What Are Typical Fares on Mumbai to Chennai Flights?
This is a moderately competitive route with steady demand from business travellers, film industry professionals (both cities have large media industries), and people visiting family.
Fare Ranges to Expect (One Way)
- Economy base (no checked bag): ₹3,500-₹5,000 booked 2-4 weeks ahead
- Economy with checked bag included: ₹5,000-₹7,000
- Last-minute or peak day fares: ₹7,000-₹9,000+
[PERSONAL EXPERIENCE] We’ve found that for this route, booking Tuesday or Wednesday departures gives noticeably lower fares compared to Monday or Friday on the same booking date. Monday morning flights from Mumbai are popular with business travellers and tend to price accordingly.
What Is the Flight Schedule from Mumbai to Chennai?
With 8-12 daily departures, Mumbai-Chennai offers strong schedule coverage. Common departure banks are early morning (6-8 AM), late morning (10-11 AM), early afternoon (1-2 PM), and evening (6-9 PM). The early morning and evening slots fill fastest on weekdays.
Approximate Flight Times
- Departure from BOM (CSIA Terminal 1 or 2 depending on carrier)
- Flight duration: 1 hr 55 min to 2 hr 15 min
- Arrival at MAA (Terminal 1 for most domestic flights)
Mumbai Airport Terminals: Which Terminal for Your Flight?
Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport has two main domestic terminals. Getting this wrong means a long inter-terminal walk or vehicle transfer.
- Terminal 1 (T1): IndiGo, SpiceJet, GoAir legacy flights
- Terminal 2 (T2): Air India, Akasa Air, and international flights
Always confirm your terminal when booking. T1 and T2 are about 5 km apart and require separate entry points.
Chennai Airport Terminals: What to Know
Chennai Airport (MAA) has an integrated terminal. Domestic arrivals and departures are in a separate wing from the international section but within the same building. The arrival area has prepaid taxi counters, Ola and Uber pickup points, and an MRTS station nearby.
Travel Tips for Mumbai to Chennai Flights
- Traffic from Chennai airport: The airport is about 16 km from Chennai city centre (Anna Salai area). Allow 45-90 minutes depending on time of day. Chennai traffic is unpredictable during morning and evening rush hours.
- Book mid-week: Tuesday and Wednesday consistently show lower fares on this route than the weekend cluster (Friday-Sunday).
- Akasa Air aircraft quality: Akasa operates newer Boeing 737 MAX aircraft with comfortable seats and reliable Wi-Fi, worth comparing even if not always the cheapest option.
- Rain disruptions: Chennai is prone to heavy monsoon flooding (October-December). Allow buffer time in your schedule during this period and check weather forecasts before travel.
Frequently Asked Questions: Mumbai to Chennai Flights
How long is the flight from Mumbai to Chennai?
The Mumbai to Chennai flight takes approximately 1 hour 55 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes, depending on the aircraft and routing. Door-to-door, including airport check-in and baggage, budget about 5-6 hours total.
What is the cheapest day to fly from Mumbai to Chennai?
Tuesday and Wednesday are typically the cheapest days. Friday and Sunday see the highest demand and fares. Early morning departures are also often priced lower than midday flights on the same day.
How many flights are there from Mumbai to Chennai per day?
Between 8 and 12 daily flights operate on the Mumbai-Chennai sector across IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air. Exact counts vary by day of week and season.
Which terminal at Mumbai Airport for Chennai flights?
IndiGo and SpiceJet operate from Terminal 1 (T1). Air India and Akasa Air use Terminal 2 (T2). Confirm your terminal when you receive your booking confirmation. The two terminals are not connected on foot.
Can I get a same-day return flight from Mumbai to Chennai?
Yes. Given 8-12 daily flights in each direction, same-day returns are practical. An early morning outbound and an evening return leaves a full day in Chennai for business or sightseeing.
Book Mumbai to Chennai Flights on HappyFares
Compare IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, and Akasa fares for the Mumbai-Chennai route at happyfares.in. Set a price alert and never pay more than you should on this route.
